Overseas student health cover concern raised

Private health insurance coverage for international students is falling short of the required needs, a leading medical body has claimed.

According to the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA), the Overseas Student Health Cover requirement does not meet the same standard that other local insurance schemes provide.

ASA president Andrew Mulcahy highlighted that limited gap coverage had the potential to cause financial strain on international students.

"At least 75 per cent of services provided in hospital by doctors are at a much higher fee," Mr Mulcahy told The Australian.

"For certain areas such as anaesthesia it's closer to 90 per cent."

The policy outlining the minimum requirements for students visiting Australia currently states that policies assist to cover the cost of hospital and medical treatment and limited benefits for ambulance services and pharmaceuticals also apply.

While general treatments such as dental, optical or physiotherapy are not covered, the cover can be supplemented with other policies such as international travel insurance.

Professional recommendations and quotations can be provided by a health insurance broker to find the policy best suited to the needs of both international students and local residents alike.